Newsom threatens ‘fire with fire’ if Republicans push ahead with redistricting plans in Texas

California Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged to respond forcefully to Texas’s recent efforts to redraw electoral districts in a way that favors Republicans.

Newsom’s remarks come as Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of 51 Democratic state lawmakers who fled the state in an attempt to block a redistricting vote by denying the Texas House a quorum. The redistricting plan, backed by the GOP-controlled legislature, is expected to create five additional Republican-leaning congressional districts.

Newsom indicated California may respond with its own redistricting efforts targeting Republican-leaning areas—if Texas proceeds with its plan. “If they move forward with dismantling established protocols, we will respond in kind,” Newsom said. “Yes, we’ll fight fire with fire.”

However, he stressed that any such move would follow legal procedures, noting that it would require two-thirds approval in the state legislature and must be conducted transparently with public input.

“We’ll give the people of California a chance to weigh in,” Newsom added, emphasizing that such action would be conditional and responsive, not proactive. He also advocated for a national model of independent redistricting, stating that changes are needed in light of current political realities.

“They triggered this, and we’re not going to stand down,” Newsom said. “We will respond not just with the power of California’s economy and population but with actions that could have national impact.”

Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois and Kathy Hochul of New York have also signaled readiness to take similar action if Texas follows through with its redistricting plan.

The Texas Democrats’ dramatic move to block the vote included traveling to New York, New Jersey, and Illinois over the weekend. Their absence stalled legislative action, as a two-thirds presence is required in the Texas House to conduct business.

The redistricting proposal, advanced by a Texas House committee, is expected to pass in both chambers and be signed by Gov. Abbott, potentially bolstering Republican power in Congress and aiding future efforts under former President Donald Trump.

Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu led the walkout, supported by the Democratic National Committee. However, the absent lawmakers face daily fines of $500 and now risk arrest after failing to return to the Capitol by a deadline set by Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Source: INDEPENDENT